Temba Bavuma To Lead; Who Else Makes The Cut? Team Of WTC 2023-25 Cycle

Temba Bavuma and Pat Cummins after the WTC 2025 Final [Source: AP Photos]

History of has been scripted at the iconic Lord's Cricket Stadium in London with South Africa defeating Australia by five wickets. The Proteas under the leadership of Temba Bavuma have become the third WTC Champions and have ended their 27-year ICC Trophy drought.

With the final in Lord's the WTC 2023-25 cycle comes to an end. As we await the next cycle, here is the look at the best XI for the one that just reached its culmination.

Openers

Yahasvi Jaiswal finished the WTC 2023-25 Cycle as the 2nd highest run-scorer [Source: @kaustats/x.com]

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ryan Rickelton

The Indian opener was in a brilliant touch during the WTC 2023-25 cycle. In 19 matches, the Southpaw scored 1,798 runs at an average of 52.88. Given the consistency Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed there is very little chance of someone else replacing him.

Ryan Rickelton did a decent job in the cycle. The South African keeper scored 473 runs in 11 matches at an average of 47.30. Rickelton's presence provides dynamism at the top of the order and also fills up the spot of wicketkeeper in this XI.

Middle Order

Kane Williamson, Joe Root, Temba Bavuma, Kamindu Mendis

Kane Williamson registered 1,152 runs in the WTC 2023-25 cycle at an average of 54.85. The experienced Kiwi batter provided to the team's batting line-up and showed great consistency. As a result he makes his way into the team as the number three batter. 

Joe Root has been in brilliant form in the recent times in the purest format of the game. His recent consistency means he will be batting at number four in this team. In this cycle, Root scored 1,968 runs in 22 matches at an average of 54.66.

Temba Bavuma provided solidity to the South African batting line-up at number four. However, in this XI Joe Root is the designated number and hence Bavuma finds his way at number five. During the cycle, the WTC winning skipper registered 711 runs in 8 matches at an average of 59.25. Also, Temba remained unbeaten as a captain in the Cycle and hence will be the leader of this XI.

Kamindu Mendis was in a fine form during the cycle [Source: @_Naviya_/x.com]

Kamindu Mendis had a breakthrough in the format during this cycle. The Sri Lankan batter registered 1,123 runs at an average of 62.38. Mendis' presence in the middle-order adds variety and depth to the line-up.

Pace Bowlers

Pat Cummins finished the WTC 2023-25 Cycle with Most Wickets [Source: AP Photos]

Pat Cummins finished the cycle as the highest wicket taker. In 18 matches, the Aussie skipper picked up 80 wickets. The presence of Cummins provides an extra edge to the bowling attack and also adds depth to the batting line-up.

Kagiso Rabada laid the foundation of South African win in the final against Australia. Besides being one of the key reasons of SA winning the title, the ace pacer was consistent throughout the cycle. Rabada picked up 56 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 18.73. 

Jasprit Bumrah completes the pace attack of this XI. The Indian pacer had 77 wickets under his belt in just 15 matches, while averaging 15.09. The trio of Cummins, Rabada and Bumrah could threaten any batting line-up in the world.

Spinners

Nathan Lyon went about his business in his usual throughout the cycle. In 17 matches, he picked up 66 wickets and consistently adapted himself as the destructor or controller whenever needed.

Noman Ali [Source: @CallMeSheri1/x.com]

Noman Ali played a major role in Pakistan's home wins during the cycle. In just six matches, Ali scalped 46 wickets while averaging just 14.76. His potency in the cycle earns him a place in this XI as the second spinner.

Best XI Of the WTC 2023-25 Cycle

Yashasvi Jaiswal 🇮🇳
Ryan Rickelton (WK) 🇿🇦
Kane Williamson 🇳🇿
Joe Root 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
Temba Bavuma (C) 🇿🇦
Kamindu Mendis 🇱🇰
Pat Cummins 🇦🇺
Kagiso Rabada 🇿🇦
Nathan Lyon 🇦🇺
Jasprit Bumrah 🇮🇳
Noman Ali 🇵🇰

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